NCAA Taking Steps in Right Direction

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Yesterday the NCAA announced that it will be covering travel expenses for student-athletes participating in championship events. The NCAA will pay up to $3,000 in travel, meals and hotel accommodations for student-athletes participating in the men and women Final Four and $4,000 to players participating in the championship game. The College Football Playoffs will also provide $3,000 in travel expenses for each student-athlete's family that will be attend the game in Arlington,TX. In the NCAA's press release, President Mark Emmert said "Championship experiences like the Final Four create memories of a lifetime for a student-athlete, and we want to make sure their families are there to support and celebrate with them." 1  In previous years, the NCAA has provided free tickets for family members traveling to championship contest.

NCAA President Mark Emmert (courtsey of lostlettermen.com)

In the past we have been very judgmental of the NCAA policies and procedures. Student-athletes are looking for some type of compensation for the work they put in year-round and have some type of rights to their own names (i.e. autograph signings for cash). For once we can step back and say "thank you" to the NCAA for providing a way for parents and family members to see their student-athlete play on the biggest stage. This is a step in the right direction to repair the strained relationship between the NCAA and its athletes. Even though this is a pilot program, I have no doubt that this will work out for the best. Players will be excited to get a change to play in front of loved one during championship events and for some their first opportunity to play in from of family members due to lack of financial resources. The NCAA still has a long way to go with me in order to repair its "big-brother" reputation but this move is definitely a step in the right direction.

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